Over 50,000 Ganesha idols immersed in Mumbai

Mumbai: A peaceful 'visarjan' of Lord Ganesha idols marked the end to the ten-day long festival today as lakhs of devotees bid adieu to the elephant-headed deity, including the famous 'Lalbaugcha Raja' idol.

The immersion process which started since early hours yesterday culminated this morning with over 50,000 idols being immersed amidst fanfare and tight security.

According to Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) statement, till 7 AM today, a total 50,250 idols were immersed at the designated natural and artificial spots, including at major sites Girgaon Chowpatty, Juhu beach, Powai lake, Dadar, Madh jetty, Marve.

It included 9,714 'sarvajanik' idols, 40,302 'gharguti' (those at homes) and 234 'gauri' idols that were immersed at 71 natural sites and 26 artificial spots across the city and in the suburbs.

A total 2,577 immersions took place in the artificial lakes, the release said. An elaborate security arrangement was put in place for the large-scaled immersion by Civic administration, Mumbai Police, fire brigade, SRPF (State Reserve Police Force) and ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police). While the entire 'visarjan' remained peaceful, only one incident took place where a 15-year-old was saved from drowning at the Girgaon Chowpatty.

"Except the Girgaon Chowpatty where a boy was saved from drowning, entire festivities went peaceful," an officer at MCGM's Disaster Management control room said. A senior police officer told reporters cranes, watchtowers, drones, coast guard's helicopters and floodlights were installed at most of the major immersion spots.